Beyond visibility: how HELIX combines 2D & 3D visualization for comprehensive oversight
In the complex and often hazardous environment of underground mining, operational oversight is critical. Mining companies face unique challenges such as safety risks, operational inefficiencies, and environmental impacts, all while handling vast amounts of real-time data. MST Global’s HELIX platform, through its powerful 2D and 3D visualization tools, provides a comprehensive solution to these challenges, offering enhanced operational awareness and improved decision-making capabilities.
The importance of real-time operational awareness
Real-time data capture and visualization are central to modern mining operations. Gone are the days when mining managers had to rely on siloed data and delayed information. Today, operations demand real-time oversight, and this is where HELIX’s 2D and 3D visualizations shine.
Through the integration of various geospatial data sources and sensors, HELIX creates a digital twin of both the surface and underground mining environments. This digital representation, displayed in 2D and 3D views, provides a comprehensive overview of the entire operation, enabling decision-makers to monitor assets, personnel, and processes with unparalleled clarity.
What makes HELIX 3D so powerful?
HELIX 3D Connect, part of the platform, is a real-time tracking and visualization solution that plays a crucial role in enhancing situational awareness. It offers several key features that significantly improve operational oversight:
– Real-time Tracking: With real-time positioning technologies such as Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), HELIX offers precise tracking of both personnel and equipment across the mine.
– Customizable Insights: Users can create tailored dashboards to view specific information that is most relevant to their operational needs, whether it’s equipment health, personnel locations, or environmental conditions.
– Multi-positioning Technologies: By leveraging various positioning systems, HELIX ensures reliable and accurate tracking, even in complex underground environments.
– Geospatial Mapping: HELIX combines data from multiple sources, including IoT sensors, cameras, and edge devices, into an interactive map. This helps mine operators monitor not only the location of assets but also the status of the environment itself.
Real-time data integration for safety and productivity
Safety is always a primary concern in underground mining operations. The constant monitoring of environmental conditions—such as gas levels, temperature, and humidity—combined with personnel and equipment tracking, ensures that safety protocols are followed, and issues are addressed promptly.
HELIX’s real-time operational awareness goes beyond merely displaying data; it actively enhances safety by providing immediate alerts in case of safety breaches or emergencies. For example, if personnel enter a hazardous zone, or if equipment malfunctions, real-time alerts are triggered, enabling swift action to mitigate risk. This proactive approach significantly reduces the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
In addition, with HELIX’s advanced Telemetry module, real-time tracking of equipment health reduces machine downtime and maintenance costs. This allows for predictive maintenance, ensuring that equipment is serviced before failures occur, minimizing disruptions in production.
2D and 3D views for operational flexibility
One of the standout features of HELIX is its flexible visualization capabilities. Both 2D and 3D views are available, allowing users to select the format that best suits their operational needs.
– 2D Views: These provide a simple and clear view of personnel and asset locations on the mine surface and underground. They are ideal for monitoring large-scale areas or tracking multiple assets simultaneously.
– 3D Views: The 3D representation offers more context and depth, which is especially useful in complex underground environments. With 3D visualization, operators can see how assets and personnel interact within the space, providing a more holistic view of operations.
By allowing users to toggle between 2D and 3D views, HELIX provides a versatile tool that adapts to various operational requirements, improving both safety and productivity.
Improved decision-making through advanced visualization
The integration of artificial intelligence and operational intelligence within the HELIX platform further enhances its ability to improve decision-making. By continuously analyzing incoming data, HELIX can offer predictive insights, alerting operators to potential issues before they escalate. This allows for a more proactive approach to operations, whether it’s optimizing fleet management, streamlining resource allocation, or ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
The HELIX Dispatch module, for example, helps optimize fleet management by providing real-time tracking and automated task management. By monitoring fleet performance and material movement, operators can make informed decisions that increase efficiency, improve throughput, and reduce delays.
Scalable and adaptable for all mining operations
One of the key benefits of the HELIX platform is its scalability. Whether you are managing a small-scale mining operation or a large, complex mine, HELIX adapts to meet your needs. The modular structure of the platform allows for easy integration of new technologies as your operations evolve, and it can be customized to fit the specific demands of your mine.
From small tasks like equipment tracking to large-scale automation and environmental monitoring, HELIX can scale to support a wide range of operational requirements.
Conclusion
In today’s mining environment, visibility is key to operational efficiency, safety, and productivity. By leveraging both 2D and 3D visualization, HELIX empowers mining operators to gain real-time insights, improve decision-making, and enhance overall mine safety. With its comprehensive monitoring, predictive insights, and flexible visualization capabilities, HELIX ensures that mining operations are equipped to handle the complexities of modern mining while staying at the forefront of technology.